The second annual Goodridge Children’s Hospice South West Flyday will take place on Sunday 10 October, and will see a fleet of light aircraft and volunteer pilots take to the skies to give children with life-limiting illnesses a day they will never forget.
Exeter company Goodridge is teaming up with Children’s Hospice South West to take more than 100 youngsters and their families flying from Exeter Airport.
When the first Flyday was held last year, 60 people took to the air. This year the aim is to fly even more children and their families, with six aircraft taking part.
There will also be a range of entertainment on the ground with music, magicians, face painting and more; plus a static display featuring Hawker Hunter and Strikemaster aircraft.
The event was the brainchild of Goodridge founder and Chairman Stuart Goodridge and director Jon Hanna, both qualified pilots who have provided flights for disabled children for a number of years.
Goodridge, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of performance fluid transfer systems, is based at Exeter Airport Business Park and employs around 90 staff in Exeter and 240 worldwide.
Jon said: “The Flyday is all about having fun and creating special memories for the hospice families. This year we’ve got more aircraft doing more flights so we’ll be able to cater for many children and mums and dads, and give them all a day to remember.”
Mandy Robbins, Director of Care for Children’s Hospice South West says: “Our mission at Children’s Hospice South West is to make the most of short and precious lives and to help families build a treasure chest of memories. It was certainly a memorable experience for those that were lucky enough to take part last year and has been a talking point amongst those children and families for many weeks and months. Our huge thanks go to Goodridge and Exeter Airport for providing the children and families with this truly amazing experience.”
